Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue. (Eugene O'Neil)

February 2008

February 27, 2008

Now, be honest. Does the word evoke a feeling of boredom within you, i.e., like the feeling you get on a rainy day when shades are drawn and all you want to do is sleep? Or perhaps, you feel a sense of guilt over the lack of enthusiasm you have for prayer, the lack of time you spend actually praying or in any other way, like a failure in this otherwise expected discipline of the Christian life so critical to discipleship, church development and leadership, etc.

If so, you are not alone. And that's why I recommend Daniel Henderson's work, Fresh Encounters: Experiencing Transformation Through United Worship-based Prayer (NavPress, 2004). This book deals personally, honestly and practically with the elephant in the room, i.e., a wide-spread, pastoral lack of experiential understanding when it comes to authentic, vibrant prayer. Henderson says, most people and pastors feel such things (as described above) because they have not been taught or exposed to anything other than "request-based prayer." In contrast, he recommends and describes the concept of "worship-based prayer," suggesting that a shift in focus will lead to a shift in attitude and, ultimately, a shift in practice that will benefit not only pastoral leadership, but entire congregations.

Most helpful for me was his analogy comparing a sailboat to a powerboat with reference to prayer. With this as a backdrop, he shares his own moment of awakening: "Lord, for so many years I've wanted to be a powerboat for you. As a pastor, I've kept my hand on the throttle of a man-made machine, enjoying the exhilaration of impressive speed. I've sliced through the choppy waters of church life impressing people with my dynamic ability to navigate and steer. Please give me the grace to learn to be a simple sailboat. Let this be the attitude of my heart. Let me set my sails everyday through prayer ... and wait for the wind of Your Spirit to blow."

Concluding this thought, he writes, "A powerboat advances on a predictable journey at the hands of the driver, propelled by man-made fuel. A sailboat is at the mercy of an unpredictable force and magnifies the beauty and energy of the wind. This example represents two different approaches to life and ministry," i.e., to prayer.

In the end, the book answers the question, "How can private and corporate prayer be transformed from an obligation to an oasis?" And if you're, like me, ready and needing to unfurl the sails, you'll benefit from this most helpful read!

February 17, 2008

5 - Times I preached in churches (Pentecostal, Baptist, Assemblies of God and Non-Denominational);
4 - Sessions I conducted with local church leadership on Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church;
3 - Times I was interviewed by national media (once in Australia, twice in New Zealand);
2 - Chinese New Year celebrations I attended, even eating the jellyfish ... and,
1 - Mosaix Global Network Seminars I conducted (at the Bible College of New Zealand, the first of its kind outside the United States).

From the Heart

But the most memorable part of it all was spending two days with my sister, Jean, and her husband, Bob. To all who read this, I ask for prayer on their behalf: that they would find strength, comfort, peace, joy and love in their remaining time together here on earth, that the Word of God will not return void.

Just before 10:00 a.m., I am packed and ready to begin the long return to Little Rock. Pastor Jack Stuart and I enjoy a light breakfast together before Andrew and Mandy Wilson arrive. As I say goodbye, Jack hands me a gift - a rugby jersey from the local team, the Canterbury Crusaders. It is a fitting end to my time in Christchurch and something I'll wear with fond memories of all the wonderful people I've met in New Zealand. However, there is still one more thing to do.

The Wilson's drive me to a nearby beach where I am interviewed by John McNeil of Challenge Weekly, New Zealand's Christian Newspaper. Not long after we sit down in a local cafe,' however, I give John much more than he bargained for on his otherwise routine task.

Tea in New Zealand (and in Australia, too) is served rather fancifully. You get a cup, a carafe of milk, a small spoon with a piece of candy or lump of sugar and, of course, a small pot of tea. In many cases, the pot has a plunger which you are to press down on the tea bag inside to squeeze the flavor into the water. On this day, however, and not ever having "plunged" before, I am pressing down; but the plunger is going nowhere. John invites me to press a little harder and I do, to no avail. "Harder," he says, "perhaps it's a bit stuck." Just as these words leave his lips, though, the plunger gives way and we are both splattered with very hot water! Not the best of impressions, i suppose, but John takes it all in stride. Five minutes later, having cleaned ourselves up, the interview begins in earnest.

One hour later, I say goodbye to John and together with the Wilson's, enjoy a final meal in Christchurch at The Cup, a quaint cafe' established in an old house overlooking the city. Throughout the trip, Andrew has been a very gracious host and we discuss the future; hopefully, sometime again to meet and minister together in New Zealand. Following our meal, I snap a few, final pictures as we drive to the airport. And just like that, I am heading home.

After checking in, I learn there's a small mechanical malfunction with the plane which delays our flight one hour. So here's the deal ...

It's Monday afternoon, right? Well, it's only Monday afternoon in Christchurch. It's actually 9:00 p.m. on Sunday night, February 10, in Little Rock, Arkansas. It takes one hour to fly to Auckland and after a two-hour layover, I depart for Los Angeles on an 11-hour flight, arriving there at 10:45 a.m. Monday morning, local time ... so, I guess, I've traveled backwards in time:-) In LA, then, I have just enough time (two hours) to get my bags, clear customs, walk from terminal four to terminal one and check-in with Southwest Airlines. But getting through security takes longer than it should and I arrive at my gate just as the plane is about to board. This flight departs at 12:45 p.m. and makes two stops (Albuquerque, New Mexico and Dallas, Texas) before landing in Little Rock at 8:00 p.m.

And there, Linda and the kids are waiting to warmly welcome home this weary traveler, exactly 24-hours after leaving New Zealand. Yes, I am home.

February 14, 2008

In many ways, my trip culminates in this moment; the opportunity to share with the people of Mosaic Christian Community, the intentionally multi-ethnic congregation meeting on Sunday evenings at Christchurch Community Church (CCC). Andrew Wilson, who is largely responsible for my time and itinerary in New Zealand, is the enthusiastic pastor who has brought the church to life. His passion for all people, faithfulness to the vision of CCC and loyalty to Pastor Jack Stuart is a combination of humility and wisdom rarely found in emerging leaders. He’s been a most gracious host and I hope tonight to both strengthen and encourage his people.

Mosaic begins with a free dinner at 5:00 p.m. prepared by Chinese congregants from the morning service. Attendees eat and interact, valuing the development of cross-cultural relationships as foundational to building a healthy multi-ethnic church. Following the meal, the church gathers in the lobby of CCC, which has been prepared for the service. Pastor Jack Stuart and his wife, Becky, are there as well. Indeed, they have attended all the services today as they do each Sunday, demonstrating their support of Andrew, as well as their heart for unity and diversity within the one local body. Following Andrew’s greeting, a young woman from South Africa leads a diverse team of worshippers just prior to my talk. And just like that, it’s over.

More food and fellowship is available following the service and many pitch in to tear down the chairs, etc., resetting the lobby for the rest of the week. And after taking a few pictures of the Stuart’s and the Wilson’s, I say goodbye to the people of Mosaic.

February 13, 2008

This morning, I have the privilege of speaking at the 500-600 member Christchurch Chinese Church (CCC). In this first of three Sunday services sponsored and held at the church each week, the 10:00 a.m. service is delivered simultaneously from the front in both English and Mandarin. And as they have for the past nineteen years, Pastor Jack Stuart and his wife, Becky, welcome the crowd in tandem.

Jack is really an amazing man; a faithful and beloved pastor of the predominantly Chinese congregation although he is a “Kiwi” who speaks very little Mandarin, the primary language of his people. Nevertheless, his heart for God and for all people has rendered such distinctions meaningless through the years. And together with Becky, he has led the church overtime to establish a second service option in Cantonese (meeting at 2:00 p.m.) and, most recently (9/07), the intentionally multi-ethnic Mosaic Christian Community that meets at 5:00 p.m., where I will speak tonight.

Although I have preached before via simultaneous translation from the front, this is my first time to do so when the second language is Mandarin. And as far as I can tell, my translator, Wendy, does a superb job with very little confusion or requests for further explanation from me. In fact, it seems obvious at points throughout the message that about half the crowd speaks English. And they even laugh at my jokes, something that doesn’t always happen in the states!

Following the service, the congregation remains for tea and treats before departing. Meanwhile, Andrew and I once again head to Subway before traveling into the foothills surrounding Christchurch. The beautiful views are somewhat obscured by overcast skies, yet from our vantage point I can see both the Southern Alps (yes, there is snow and skiing) as well as the ocean! It’s really quite spectacular.

Occasionally throughout the trip, I’m affected by jetlag and on the drive home, I fall asleep. It’s a brief, but much needed respite before speaking at Mosaic, which is our next stop.

At 9:30 a.m., I am standing before some 35-40 pastors, educators and ministry leaders attending a Mosaix Global Network Seminar hosted at the Bible College of New Zealand. It is the first of its kind to be conducted outside the United States. Andrew is extremely pleased with the turn-out; in fact, he tells me that some had thought no more than 12-15 would attend. In the first hour, I present the Biblical Mandate for the Multi-ethnic Church and after morning tea, the Seven Core Commitments required to bring it about. Following nearly thirty minutes of q and a, the seminar concludes just after 12:30 p.m. Early reviews suggest the event has been wonderfully received and already there is talk about a future, more national conference. Beyond that, one missionary of German descent who has only recently arrived in New Zealand tells me of his connection to ministry leaders in the Caribbean where he has previously served. Speaking well of the presentation, he believes they will be interested, too, and wants to contact them with a recommendation. Of course, I have no problem with that:-)

After the seminar, Andrew and I catch a quick bite at Subway before heading into the city's center to view Christchurch Cathedral and the surrounding area. Like many cities in Europe, the gothic facility anchors a vibrant commercial district - part green space (note the Hari Krishna's playing music on the grass), part farmer's market and trade bazaar, part modern art and monument display, etc. I'll snap many pictures in the area before our hunt for All Blacks jerseys (New Zealand's internationally acclaimed national team in rugby union) takes us to the local Champions store. Yes, since Pastor Jack Stuart has shown me a replay of the All Blacks winning an international tournament (and in less than twenty-four hours on the ground), I am hooked on the pride of New Zealand!

Later, I dine with a dozen or so ministry leaders at a local Indian restaurant. The night concludes with Andrew, Mandy and I enjoying dessert at Crowne Plaza with Steve and Christine Graham. Steve is the Dean of the Bible College of New Zealand’s Christchurch campus and together with Christine, the co-pastor of Westside Apostolic Church. Indeed, I marvel at the many wonderful people I have met along the way and the potential for further ministry with them in the future.

February 12, 2008

Listen to my live interview with Radio Rhema on Tuesday morning, February 5. I did the interview from Cairns in Australia and in advance of the first Mosaix Global Network Seminar to be conducted outside the United States.

February 11, 2008

By the time I arrive in New Zealand, it’s 2:30 p.m. as Christchurch (the largest city on South Island) is three hours ahead of Brisbane. Thankfully, New Zealand is much cooler this time of year than Australia and a gentle breeze is blowing (free of humidity) as I clear customs. Here to greet me is my host for this leg of the trip, Pastor Andrew Wilson of the Mosaic Christian Community and his youngest daughter, Alice.

Ironically, Andrew tells me that just three hours prior to my arrival, New Zealand’s first ever attempted hijacking occurs in the skies above Christchurch! Apparently, a woman attacked the pilots of the small plane she was on and with some sort of knife, wounded them severely enough that both pilots would later require treatment at a local hospital. Somehow, however, they were able to land the plane (quite heroically) while passengers and crew subdued the woman for the rest of the flight following the attack. Later, I learn from my wife, Linda, that this incident has become international news and is being featured prominently on news channels in the US.

For the past three years, Andrew and his wife, Mandy, have been members of the Cantonese fellowship at Chrsitchurch Chinese Church (CCC). However, some five months ago, CCC Pastor Jack Stuart commissioned Andrew to begin a third congregation at the church (besides the Cantonese fellowship, CCC hosts a bi-lingual fellowship, Mandarin/English), namely, the Mosaic Christian Community. In fact, Andrew tells me that one year ago, the two men began to discuss the possibility of creating an intentionally diverse congregation at CCC and in the process, came across our church’s website in Little Rock. There, they learned who we are and why, as well as of my book (which they ordered and read) and later, of the Mosaix Global Network. In time, the deacons at CCC approved the new venture of faith and in part, I am here to affirm and strengthen the church’s resolve and efforts by speaking on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. to their bi-lingual congregation and later that evening, at Mosaic.

In addition, Andrew has arranged for the first Mosaix Global Network Seminar to be conducted outside the United States on Saturday morning, February 9, at the Bible College of New Zealand (Christchurch campus). He also arranged the Radio Rhema interview last Tuesday and has me scheduled for an interview with the Challenge Weekly, New Zealand's Christian newspaper on Monday morning before I leave. Needless to say, Andrew is a very personable, faithful and passionate individual dedicated in these years to building a healthy multi-ethnic church. He will share with me several times throughout the weekend how timely and encouraging my visit is to him and Mandy, “…what I call," he says, "a signpost from God, letting us know we are not crazy after all, but being led by the Holy Spirit.”

After a brief stop at his home where I meet Mandy and the rest of his family, Andrew takes me to the home of Pastor Jack Stuart and his wife, Becky, where I will stay through the weekend. Married for 21 years, Jack is “Kiwi” (a native new Zealander) and Becky is Chinese. They met and eventually married while serving with YWAM in Hong Kong. Like Andrew and Mandy, they are gracious hosts, individuals who have faithfully served the people of Christchurch Chinese Church for the past nineteen years. later that evening, we head into the city and more specifically, to Crown Plaza for dinner where we enjoy extended time getting acquainted. And as evidence of our connection, Jack and I stay up late each night through the weekend, watching New Zealand's All Blacks Rugby Team, FOX news and discussing ministry.

Garden City is one of the largest and most influential churches in Brisbane – a church whose congregation has become increasingly diverse in the last four year, thanks (I learn from the Mok’s) in large part to Steve’s efforts. Steve tells me that they are currently translating into eight or nine different language! Yet having said that, he recognizes that the church remains Aussie led. David, who is of Brazilian descent, he points out is the first ethnically diverse staff member to be hired by the church, and Steve (the church’s (Associate Pastor) expects there will be more. As the Cultural Ministries Pastor, David oversees the leaders of the varying ethnic fellowships. With us as well is a man representing the Bible Society in Australia.

Tonight, we are celebrate the Chinese New Year at a restaurant David and Jeannie Mok have rented out for some 50 members of their family, and other friends from church. If only Harry Li and DJ Chuang could see me now ... I even try the jellyfish! After the meal, a smaller group of us gather at the home of the Mok’s to celebrate the birthday of their daughter-in-law, Jon’s wife, Debra – and then, finally, I return to Jon and Debra’s apartment over looking the city’s waterfront for a few hours sleep. I’m due at the airport at 5:00 a.m. for the flight to Christchurch, New Zealand.

February 09, 2008

I awake to find that Doris has prepared for me a final breakfast of fresh fruits and juice. Beyond that, she has read my book and has a few questions. After affirming the premise, and my passion for people to come together on earth as it is in heaven, she asks if I believe in heaven and hell. I tell her that I do and explain the concept of afterlife as a situation in which we will either live eternally in relationship with or separated from God as determined by our response to the person of Jesus Christ. And though she has expressed a belief in Jesus, this is something she cannot accept. "We are all loved by God, His children," she tells me and the thought of eternal separation from a God who loves is unacceptable to her way of thinking. More than that, she believes in reincarnation and tells me that she has lived many previous lives. She states her belief that the soul never dies, but passes perpetually from one garment (the physical body) to another. In response, I respectfully site Hebrews 9:27 as a basis for my belief that we are afforded only one life to live.

Our conversation is in no way an argument, and we genuinely enjoy the give and take. At some point, Bob walks in and it's time to head to Kuranda for some last minute shopping.

Up in the mountains just 20 km from Cairns, we arrive before the shops have opened; so, we head to the home of one of Bob's mates, Allan Payard and his wife, Kimberley. Allan and Kimberely are internationally recognized underwater photographers, adventure divers, artists and explorers who have lived and worked professionally on the Great Barrier Reef for nearly two decades. Nestled uniquely in the rain forest, the Payard's place is amazing and I snap some photos before the four of us share morning tea.

Soon, Bob and I head back into Kuranda, purchase a few items and return to Holloway's Beach. Jean is up, but not feeling well. Perhaps it's best; my flight to Brisbane leaves in less than an hour. We share a final and express our love for one another. As I leave, I wonder if I will ever see her again.

A two hour flight takes me to Brisbane where I am met by Pastor Jeannie Mok and her son, Jon, around 3:00 p.m. Together with her husband, David, the Mok's pastor the International City Church in Brisbane. David (a biochemist by trade) and Jeannie once ran a successful Chinese restaurant in Chinatown from which they launched the multi-ethnic church some nineteen years ago. Today it is home to 600+ members hailing from more than 45 nations. Like Sydney, Brisbane is a remarkably diverse city where some 1,500 immigrants arrive each month. Given the situation, ICC has established a number of government funded programs including the Multicultural Community Centre and the Asian Pacific Institute through which they provide trade-specific training in a variety of fields, as well as ESL classes and other immigration services. Through such efforts, ICC is widely known and respected by elected officials of both state and federal government.

With me comes much needed rain; so much rain in fact that by 5:00 p.m., the front of the sanctuary is flooded right up to the stage! The Mok's come close to canceling the evening service, but thanks to the efforts of their staff, the sanctuary is clear again by 7:00 p.m. That night, I share the Biblical Mandate for the Multi-ethnic Church with a smaller than usual crowd (about 75 in total) given the excessive flooding and, as well, the fact that Chinese New Year celebrations are going on throughout the city involving a number of folks from ICC. Nevertheless, the message is well-received and Pastor Mok tells the congregation that she has been moved to tears by the presentation. It is, she says, a validation of their efforts through the years, efforts that have often been misunderstood and unappreciated. Her closing comments of appreciation and thanks cause me to recognize that I, like the apostle Paul so many years ago, am now traveling throughout a specific region on a mission, in part, to strengthen the churches (see Acts 15:40, 41). And in that moment, I once again experience the power and pleasure of God uniquely manifest via the multi-ethnic church.